Canada’s coasts and waterways are vital to our environment, livelihoods, and economy, and must be protected. Ballast water, which helps keep vessels stable in the water, can accidentally introduce and spread aquatic invasive species, like the zebra mussel, if released in the water untreated. These invasive species have severe economic and environmental impacts on ecosystems and industries as they harm plants and animals, degrade beaches, impair fisheries, disrupt infrastructure, and create prevention and control expenses.

“The Government of Canada is taking action to prevent aquatic species invasions which harm the environment and the Canadian economy. The new Ballast Water Regulations will limit the introduction and spread of these species by vessels while protecting Canada's biodiversity. Together, we will make Canada’s oceans safer, cleaner, and healthier for our children and grandchildren and chart a clear path toward a future that is driven by sustainability, resilience and prosperity for all Canadians.

The Honourable Omar Alghabra    
Minister of Transport

"Our ecosystems, coasts and waterways transcend borders. Protecting them for future generations requires strong international cooperation. Canada is committed to fulfilling our international commitments to protect our environment while building a safer and more resilient future."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Foreign Affairs

“In order to protect our waterways, and the fish and ecosystems they sustain we must take preventative action now when it comes to aquatic invasive species. The new Ballast Water Regulations are a part of our commitment to combat aquatic invasive species and the threat they pose to our Blue Economy.”

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Fishery Commission congratulates Transport Canada for issuing these ballast water rules. These rules mandate ballast water treatment technologies and the continued use of ballast water exchange for fresh waters. Together, these requirements will significantly reduce the risk of introduction and spread of harmful invasive species. Since the Great Lakes are a shared, binational resource, the Commission calls upon the United States to follow Canada’s lead by issuing similar regulations.”

Jim McKane
Chair, Canadian Section of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission

• Ballast water is critical for the safe operation of vessels, adding weight so a vessel floats at the right depth and remains level and stable. Ballast water may be taken on board or released during cargo operations or when extra stability is needed in poor weather.

• The Ballast Water Regulations were pre-published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on June 8, 2019.

• The regulations address Canada’s obligations under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004. Common rules will allow Canada to co-operate with 85 other countries, representing 91% of the world’s fleet.

• The new regulations reflect years of discussions with industry, scientists, engineers, United States legislators and regulators, and international partners.

• As a result of the regulations, around 34 species will not be introduced and spread in Canada by 2044, including five severely damaging species. By preventing harm to the environment, the regulations are expected to provide $980 million of economic benefit over this period.

• At Canadian Great Lakes ports, it is estimated that by 2030, the use of ballast water management systems by all vessels will help reduce the spread of invasive species by 82%.

Associated links

• Managing ballast water
• Backgrounder: Ballast Water Regulations

Allison St-Jean
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary    
Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
(613) 290-8656
allison.st-jean@tc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca